Pete Golding wrapped up his first season at the helm in Oxford with a deep playoff push that turned heads across the college football landscape. But as the dust settles from that postseason run, a new challenge is already on the horizon: the 2026 NFL Draft. And with it, a wave of key contributors are heading out the door.
Three Rebels have officially declared for the draft, and their departures hit both sides of the ball. For Golding, it’s not just about replacing production-it’s about filling leadership voids and retooling a roster before spring practice kicks off.
Logan Diggs: A Playoff Hero Says Goodbye
The biggest name of the bunch? Running back Logan Diggs.
After stops at Notre Dame and LSU, Diggs found a home at Ole Miss, and he made the most of his final college season. His defining moment came in the Fiesta Bowl semifinal against Miami.
When Kewan Lacy broke off a 73-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter but was forced to exit, Diggs stepped in and steadied the backfield. His performance helped lift the Rebels to victory and into the next round of the College Football Playoff.
But Diggs brought more than just on-field production. He brought a veteran mindset and a team-first attitude that resonated throughout the locker room.
Before the Sugar Bowl, he spoke about how meaningful it was to be part of a playoff run after bouncing around programs and battling through a knee injury. He wasn’t just playing for stats-he was playing for something bigger.
And when the moment came, he delivered.
Tahj Chambers: Steady Force on Defense
Linebacker Tahj Chambers also made his NFL intentions known, announcing his decision on January 12. Chambers transferred in from Missouri State for his final season and wasted no time making an impact.
He appeared in all 15 games and finished with 45 tackles, 27 of them solo. His physical presence helped anchor the defense, and his ability to track sideline to sideline gave Ole Miss a reliable force in the middle of the field.
Replacing Chambers won’t be easy. He brought toughness and consistency to a defense that needed both during a long playoff stretch. His departure leaves a gap that Golding and his staff will need to address quickly-especially with spring ball looming.
Dae’Quan Wright: A Mismatch Nightmare Moves On
Tight end Dae’Quan Wright rounds out the trio of departures. A dynamic receiving threat, Wright declared for the draft after a season that showcased his ability to create mismatches all over the field. Whether lined up in-line or split out wide, Wright gave opposing defenses headaches and provided a safety valve for the Rebels' quarterbacks.
His exit means Ole Miss loses a key piece of its passing game-someone who could stretch the field vertically and work the middle with equal effectiveness. Tight end production is tough to replicate, and Wright’s blend of size and athleticism won’t be easy to replace.
Quarterback Situation Still in Flux
While those three departures are locked in, the quarterback room remains a question mark. Trinidad Chambliss, who transferred from Ferris State, had his eligibility waiver denied by the NCAA on January 9.
He had sought a retroactive redshirt for the 2022 season, when medical issues kept him off the field. Ole Miss appealed the ruling, and while the NCAA committee met this week, they’ve requested more information and will reconvene next week.
If the appeal is ultimately denied, Chambliss could be forced to declare for the draft as well, adding more uncertainty to a position already in flux.
What’s Next for Golding and the Rebels?
With the transfer portal closed, Golding has already made some moves to bring in reinforcements. But the question now is whether those additions can match the production-and presence-of the players moving on. Losing a playoff-tested running back, a physical linebacker, and a versatile tight end all at once is no small blow.
The good news? Golding has momentum on his side.
That playoff run wasn’t just a flash in the pan-it was a statement. Now comes the next test: reloading and keeping the Rebels in the national conversation.
Spring practice will offer the first look at how this new chapter unfolds. But one thing’s for sure-Ole Miss is losing some serious talent to the next level. And the NFL is about to get a trio of Rebels who know how to step up when it matters most.